Solstice brings an opportunity...

How are you honoring the Winter Solstice? I spent time reflecting on the past year, acknowledging the ways I've grown and the lessons I've learned along the way. As our energy transitions with the winter season, we have the opportunity to reconnect with our self, deepen our connection with the Divine, and re-evaluate our deepest intentions and priorities.

Most people think of winter as a time of slowing down, of hibernation, and of darkness. And these things can be true, indeed. But I choose to focus on the growth that continues below the surface... I have been exploring the old habits and patterns that have been holding me back from living a fuller life. In bringing awareness to these, there are times when I work on them actively - focusing on self-healing and self-reflective practices - and there are times when I work on them more passively - below the surface, so to speak.

During these times of self-reflection and self-healing, I do a lot of journaling, I study the messages and symbols in my dreams, and I read a lot of spiritual books, reflecting on the passages most connected to what's transpiring in my life or where I'm headed next.

With this solstice, I reflected on these questions, and invite you to explore them for yourself, too.

-What unproductive patterns, unhelpful habits, or shadow aspects need healed? What blocks need to be released within myself?
-Which shadow aspects do I need to embrace more fully in my life? (note that our shadows are not always negative - they are things we have buried, which may include passions, interests, aspects of self that we prefer to hide from others, etc.)
-What lights me up from within? or what am I most passionate about?
-How can I come into alignment with my spiritual life, highest self, and heart-based intentions?
-What additional adjustments can I make in my life to move me forward?

I do the self-examination and self-healing work to help me release old wounds, limiting beliefs, and other unproductive habits that hold me back. Doing so helps me clear the clutter so I can find more clarity about where I'm headed and create space to welcome the new.

I also do the self-healing work so I can keep my vibration lifted - which does NOT mean being "positive" all the time. It means being human - allowing myself to feel and express all emotions so they pass through. It means making choices that are aligned to my highest self and my future. It means learning to accept my whole self - which also requires me to practice self-compassion, self-forgiveness, and self-love.
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Let's welcome the change of season by honoring our growth and getting ourselves ready to welcome the new.